Hypermobility

Joint hypermobility makes kids everywhere the envy of the playground, yet many people don’t realize their unique flexibility comes with potential health implications. Hypermobility is a joint disorder, as extra range of motion can be itself a risk factor for injuries like dislocations and muscle strains, or as a symptom of an underlying disorder like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

As we aim to bring awareness to the hidden risks of hypermobility, it’s crucial to be able to recognize the symptoms that are both obvious but seemingly harmless. And if you’re struggling with issues beyond simply being more flexible than your peers, you can find relief closer to home than you might think.

What is joint hypermobility?

Joint hypermobility occurs when joints move beyond their normal range of motion with ease. While some degree of joint mobility varies naturally among individuals, hypermobility represents a significant deviation from typical joint function.

The condition can affect various joints throughout the body, including the fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, and ankles. What may initially seem like a simple quirk or even advantage in flexibility may gradually reveal itself as a source of pain, joint instability, and other health complications.

Causes of joint hypermobility

Joint hypermobility is primarily caused by genetic factors that affect the body’s connective tissues. These genetic variations influence how collagen and other proteins form, leading to softer, more pliable tissues around joints and potentially altering bone structure to accommodate greater range of motion.

So if your parent is hypermobile, or has a diagnosed hypermobility disorder, you’re more likely to also have the condition. There are a few other demographic risk factors that increase a person’s likelihood of having hypermobile joints:

• Women experience hypermobility more frequently than men.
• Age affects the visibility of joint hypermobility, as younger individuals typically demonstrate greater flexibility than older adults. However, true hypermobility persists throughout life, even as overall flexibility naturally decreases with aging.
• Muscle mass often correlates with joint stability. Individuals with less-developed musculature often exhibit more hypermobility, as muscles provide crucial support for joint stability.

Symptoms of Joint Hypermobility

Many people with joint hypermobility may not connect the dots between their flexible joints and other symptoms that can stem from the same underlying cause.

Common joint-related symptoms include:

• Frequent joint pain and stiffness
• Joint instability and feelings of joints “giving way”
• Recurring joint dislocations or subluxations
• Muscle fatigue and weakness
• Frequent injuries to ligaments and tendons
• Delayed recovery from physical activity

One condition that is often first identified by joint hypermobility is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). With EDS, however, symptoms frequently extend beyond the joints:

• Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• Gastrointestinal issues including reflux and constipation
• Frequent headaches and migraines
• Anxiety and mood changes
• Sleep disturbances and difficulty maintaining restorative sleep
• Temperature regulation problems
• Skin that bruises easily or heals slowly

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome represents a group of genetic disorders affecting connective tissues throughout the body. The hypermobile type, known as hEDS (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), specifically features joint hypermobility as a primary characteristic.

hEDS can affect multiple body systems beyond the joints, including skin, blood vessels, and internal organs. This systemic nature explains why individuals with hypermobile joints often experience seemingly unrelated symptoms affecting various aspects of their health.

Diagnosing hEDS requires meeting specific criteria that consider joint hypermobility alongside health and family history. Many people with significant hypermobility may have hEDS without realizing the connection between their various symptoms.

These diverse symptoms often develop gradually or come and go, making it difficult for individuals to recognize patterns or connect their experiences to an underlying condition. Fortunately, there are several options for living with Ehlers-Danlos and managing symptoms for a better quality of life.

How physical therapy can help

Physical therapists can play a key role in managing joint hypermobility disorders, sometimes alongside other specialists as part of a person’s comprehensive healthcare team.

A skilled physical therapist can help identify connections between seemingly unrelated symptoms. Many individuals with hypermobility dismiss certain experiences as “normal” when they actually relate to their underlying condition. Physical therapists excel at recognizing these patterns and tracing symptoms like chronic fatigue, anxiety, widespread pain, headaches, and even gastrointestinal issues back to joint hypermobility.

Treating hypermobility disorders

Treatment approaches typically focus on strengthening muscles around hypermobile joints to provide better stability and support. Physical therapists design specific exercise programs that target muscle groups responsible for joint control without overextending vulnerable tissues.

Education forms another critical component of physical therapy treatment. Therapists teach proper body mechanics, joint protection strategies, and activity modification techniques that help prevent injuries and manage symptoms during daily activities.

Physical therapy interventions may include manual therapy techniques, postural training, and specialized exercises designed to improve proprioception—the body’s awareness of joint position and movement in space.

Our joint specialists are always here to help, whether you already have a diagnosis or are starting to be concerned about symptoms related to hypermobility. One advantage of physical therapy is that you have direct access to our specialist care, meaning you don’t need a referral to make an appointment. Simply call a clinic near you or fill out online appointment request form today.